The Japanese Embassy in Kabul acknowledged the progress made in reducing poppy cultivation, while stressing the importance of maintaining these efforts and supporting farmers affected by the ban.

The embassy said that providing alternative livelihoods for farmers who previously depended on poppy cultivation was essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of counter-narcotics measures.

The statement came after the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published a report indicating an increase in drug cultivation in Afghanistan, a finding rejected by the Islamic Emirate.

Afghan authorities have repeatedly defended their counter-narcotics campaign, pointing to restrictions on poppy cultivation and efforts to prevent the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.

The issue of alternative livelihoods remains a major challenge, as many farming communities have historically relied on poppy cultivation as a source of income. International support for agricultural development, access to markets and alternative income opportunities is considered important to sustaining the reduction in cultivation.

Japan's statement highlights the importance of continued cooperation and economic assistance to help Afghan farmers transition to legal and sustainable sources of income. (ILKHA)